Know your ABC's

When it comes to moles, it's important to know what to look for:
Asymmetry- half of the mole doesn't look like the other
Irregular Border- a poorly defined border
Varied Color- contains multiple shades of black, brown, white, red, or blue
Large Diameter- should not be larger than a pencil eraser
Evolving- be especially aware if moles develop after age 20
Also be aware if any moles are painful, itchy, or begin to bleed.

The most common types of skin cancer are basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas, with the most deadly being melanoma.
Basal cell carcinoma is a slow growing form of skin cancer most common in the United States.  It begins in the epidermis, or uppermost layer of skin and most often occurs on skin that is regularly exposed to the sun or UV radiation.  It is much more likely to be found on people 40 years of age and older.  It appears pearly or waxy, white or light pink, flesh-colored or brown.  It may be a sore that does not heal and bleeds easily, is crusty or oozing, has irregular blood vessel formation around is or a sunken middle portion  It can be treated with Moh's surgery, excision, curettage and electrodesiccation, cryosurgery, medication, john's surgery, or photodynamic therapy

Squamous Cell Carcinoma, also a non melanoma form of skin cancer occurs when there is uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells that arise in the epidermis.  In normal skin that has been previously injured or inflamed or regularly exposed to the sun and UV radiation.  The earliest form of squamous cell skin cancer, known as Bowen's disease, is described as squamous cells that have not yet spread to nearby tissue.  This kind of skin cancer is most commonly seen on the face, ears, neck, hands, or arms.  It grows as a bump, has a rough scaly surface, and flat reddish patches.  The initial phases are typically larger than one inch.

Melanoma, the most deadly type of cancer is caused by changes in melanocytes, a specific type of skin cell which produces melanin which is responsible for skin and hair color.  There are four kinds:
1. Superficial spreading melanoma--the most common type among Caucasians.  This is flat, irregular in shape, and has varying shades of brown and black.
2.  Nodular melanoma-- this is described as a raised area that is dark blackish-blue or bluish-red
3. Lentigo maligna melanoma--this is the most common type among the elderly on the face, neck, and arms.  They are large, flat, and tan with areas of brown.
4.  Acral lentiginous melanoma--this is the least common form and occurs on the palms, soles, or under nails.  It is more prevalent in African Americans and has some rather unusual risk factors: effects people that live in sunny climates and high altitudes, in those with a history of blistering sunburns during childhood, in those that use tanning devices, those with a history of melanoma among close relatives, have a weakened immune system, or have certain types of birthmarks.

The following is a list of risk factors from http://www.skincancer.org/ :


Risk Factors

Anyone can get skin cancer, but some things put you at higher risk, like having—

·       A lighter natural skin color.

·       A personal history of skin cancer.

·       A family history of melanoma.

·       Long-term exposure to the sun

·       A history of sunburns early in life.

·       Skin that burns, freckles, reddens easily, or becomes painful in the sun.

·       Blue or green, grey eyes.

·       Naturally blond or red hair.

·       Overexposure to x-rays and radiation